Supersonic is a zesty, high-energy all contra weekend for experienced dancers. We will be dancing primarily complex contras with limited or no walkthroughs.
Many participants easily dance both roles and role switching is common.

Our Mission

Supersonic Contra Dance Weekend gives experienced dancers the opportunity to explore ways in which to challenge themselves and improve their skills as dance partners while experiencing complex dances and immense joy.

The Talent

Elixir

Elixir blends driving fiddle and guitar with the rich texture and rhythmic excitement of a full horn section, deftly weaving brassy riffs and daring solos in and out of traditional Irish, French Canadian and New England tunes. Elegant melodies evolve into raucous dixieland horn riffs; transcendent harmonies, playful improvisations, and rock, swing and reggae-inspired rhythms weave in and out of traditional and original Irish, French Canadian and New England tunes.

For Supersonic, Elixir features Anna Patton on clarinet and vocals, Ethan Hazzard-Watkins on fiddle, Jesse Readlynn trumpet and flugelhorn, Owen Morrison on guitar and foot percussion, and Nils Fredland calling and on trombone and vocals.

Syncopaths

At the heart of the band's sound are the twin engines of Ryan McKasson's dynamic, Scottish-based fiddling and the understated-but-monster picking of mandolinist Ashley Broder. Jeff Spero provides wonderfully inventive and surprising piano accompaniment, anchored by the driving power of Christa Burch's non-traditional bodhrán. Christa also lends her singular voice — warm, supple, expressive, and intimate — to the band's songs. All in all, the Syncopaths are equally at home with pulsing, high-energy dance tunes and beautiful, contemplative songs. They ably stretch melodic boundaries while keeping a steady, compelling, danceable beat.

Callers

Seth Tepfer

Seth Tepfer is "Atlanta's Dance Magician," calling dances for adults and children like you've never seen before. Known for his infectious energy, his short walk-thrus, and his 'hash-contras', Seth's warm enthusiasm is contagious, and gets everyone moving, smiling, and having a great time. Whether squares, contras, or other folk dances, you can be certain that all involved - novices and experienced dancers alike - will amble away happy and eager to dance more!

Nils Fredland

He’s back! After taking a national touring calling hiatus, we are thrilled Nils will be joining Elixir in Seattle. Nils has been calling dances with admirable skill and infectious energy since 2000.

IS SUPERSONIC RIGHT FOR YOU?

We begin the weekend with no walkthrough contra corners. Are you comfortable navigating complex dances often with no walkthroughs or hash calls? Do you recover quickly from mistakes? If you answered yes, this weekend is for you.